Novak Djokovic is eager to win his 100th career title in Miami as he has been “thinking about it since the Olympics”
Novak Djokovic beat Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 to reach his 60th career ATP Masters 1000 final at the Miami Open.
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Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Wolfy)
Novak Djokovic captured his 99th career title at the Paris Olympics after claiming the singles gold medal. Since then he has been trying hard to reach the elusive century tour-level crown, a milestone which only Roger Federer has achieved. He now has the opportunity of achieving the feat at the Miami Open after reaching the final.
Djokovic has been in extraordinary form since arriving in Miami. The 37-year-old is yet to drop a set despite a strong challenge from the likes of Sebastian Korda and Lorenzo Musetti. In the semi-finals, he faced the 2024 runners-up, Grigor Dimitrov, and gave a perfect display. The Serbian wasted no time to beat the Bulgarian 6-2, 6-3.
The victory made sure he reached his 60th ATP Masters 1000 final of his career. Despite returning to Miami for the first time since 2016, he played as though he had never missed the tournament for a single year. He now has the opportunity of winning his 100th career title and 41st Masters title.
Ahead of the final, he looks determined to the chance and continue with his form in Florida. He revealed during his press conference that since winning the gold medal at the 2024 Olympics, he has been dreaming of claiming his 100th title.
Since I won the Olympics, I have been thinking about the hundred titles. I played the final in Shanghai. I was close there. Then I’ve been trying to find that necessary level of tennis that puts me in a position to fight for a trophy, a big trophy. That’s what I’ve been doing this week, to be honest. I am very happy with how I’ve prepared for the tournament and how I’ve played. I haven’t lost a set. It’s a great opportunity. Let’s see what happens in two days.
Novak Djokovic said via Miami Open Press
Also, the Miami Open final is Djokovic’s 20th consecutive season final, equaling Roger Federer’s record. Djokovic is also chasing a record seventh Miami title, an achievement that will pull him clear of Andre Agassi.
Novak Djokovic explains the relevance of good service in his win against Grigor Dimitrov
Novak Djokovic gave one of his most outstanding performances of the season on Friday (March 28) against Grigor Dimitrov in the semi-final of the Miami Open. The 37-year-old hit a stellar serving display, with 87 percent of his first serves, winning 79 percent of those points. He was asked during the aforementioned press conference, how a good serve has helped him in the tournament.
It helps tremendously. It relieves that unnecessary pressure from all the other strokes in your game. That way you can put more pressure on your opponent in the returns. Obviously, I am a baseliner. Throughout most of my career, the forehand and backhand are probably the strokes that have been most talked about regarding my game and my success. Perhaps the serve has been somewhat underrated.
Novak Djokovic said
Djokovic earned 33 service points against Dimitrov. He will hope to continue with the form against Jakub Mensik in the final of the Miami Open.
Novak Djokovic honored Lionel Messi came to watch his win in Miami
Football great Lionel Messi and tennis legend Venus Williams were in attendance as Novak Djokovic took on Grigor Dimitrov in the semi-finals of the Miami Open. Messi was the center of attraction in the stands as the football star is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. After Djokovic defeated Dimitrov, he admitted it was a huge humor for Messi to come watch his match.
It’s huge honor. I mean, he’s such a great athlete, not just a football player. His impact on the world of sport in the past 20 years has been immense. To have him watch me live obviously brings me great, great joy and excitement, and also a bit of pressure, to be honest. I was rated by one of his sons today as 8 out of 10, which is pretty good. He with a serious face told me I have too make 10 out of 10 next match. So I have quite a bit of pressure from Messi’s son there. We joked around.
Novak Djokovic said
Djokovic now has the opportunity to further cement his name as the greatest player of all time by winning the Miami Open. He’s the clear favorite against 19-year-old Jakub Mensik.
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